Home » Uncategorized » Duke Heart Pulse — March 2, 2025

Duke Heart Pulse — March 2, 2025

By Tracey Koepke in Uncategorized on March 2, 2025.

Chief’s message: March Madness – Duke Heart and Vascular on a Run…

This weekend started March – a month for our institution that for many years has been synonymous with college basketball and runs to the final four. Our Heart and Vascular Team – also seems to be making a run on innovation, patient care, and partnerships. You will see stories below about Duke’s First fully robotic Lung Transplant, and our Pediatric Heart Surgeons, Douglas Overbey and Joe Turek, doing the first living mitral valve replacement in the setting of Heart Transplant and domino procedures (a story carried nationally by NBC news). We aslo welcome Tracy Geoffrion, our new congenital heart surgeon. On the partnership front, Duke announced a partnership with Novant health to build several ambulatory health centers throughout the state. This represents an important opportunity for us to get closer to our patients and partner to deliver CV care and improve the health of our community and state. We also congratulate Jeff Gaca, MD, who was named triangle business journal Surgeon of the Year. Great recognition for the work that Jeff does.

We were also lucky this week to have Coach K end heart month with cardiovascular grand rounds on Tuesday to a packed house of faculty and residents/fellows on teamwork and leadership. Some great stories and interactions, but most importantly he highlighted for all of us the opportunity and impact our group could have with teamwork and leadership in health. We gave Coach K a Duke Heart fleece that he was kind enough to wear to the game Saturday night against Florida State. We appreciate Coach K’s support of our group. Some pictures from the game below.

Highlights of the week:

Duke’s First Fully Robotic Lung Transplant Performed

Congratulations to our Duke Lung Transplant team! On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a team of Duke surgeons performed Duke’s first fully robotic lung transplant at Duke University Hospital. It is also the first such procedure to be performed in the southeast United States, after a team at New York University Langone Health performed the first in the nation in September 2024; the NYU Langone team then performed the world’s first fully robotic double lung transplant in November.

All four of Duke’s lung transplant surgeons from the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery were involved in the cutting-edge procedure: Matthew Hartwig, MD, MHS, Professor of Surgery; Jacob Klapper, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery; Kunal Patel, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Surgery; and Hiroshi Date, MD, Professor of Surgery, who joined the faculty at Duke two days prior.

“Fully robotic lung transplants are not being done everywhere,” says Klapper, who serves as surgical director of the Duke Lung Transplant Program. “We are one of the first to do it and I think it continues our tradition at Duke of being among the first to do innovative things that advance the field.”

The robotic procedure involves utilizing smaller incisions compared to traditional open chest transplant procedures, allowing for improved recovery processes for the patient with less pain and quicker healing. This is important because two-thirds of Duke lung transplant patients are over the age of 65 — a much older patient population than the national average, he added.

After communicating with other centers around the world and within the U.S. that had done fully robotic lung transplants, Klapper says the Duke team – surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses – went through an extensive period of pre-planning and creating a written protocol to ensure their success.

A large team of people was involved in the planning, intake, and post-surgical care of the patient. Klapper highlights his fellow surgeons on the team, Drs. Hartwig, Patel, and Date, as well as anesthesiologists Dr. Brandi Bottiger and Dr. Bryan Chow, who are intimately involved in the lung transplant team and who helped design the anesthesia plan for the procedure. Franklin Dominno, thoracic team lead, and Danielle Buckles, a thoracic nurse specializing in robotics; Stacy Williams “who is terrific about making sure we have everything we need all the time,” and Ken Boccaccio, PA, who is our bedside-assist for all robotic cases.

“A big, big thanks to all those folks who were so integral to this process,” Klapper says.

The patient, 71-year-old Dennis Ihnat of Wilmington, NC, was extubated, walking, and eating less than 48 hours post-operation, with plans to be discharged on Friday, February 28.

“Dennis has been a star patient, and we are thrilled that he has been recovering so well and is headed home for further recovery,” Dr. Klapper adds.

Shown here are members of the care team with the patient and his wife. From L-R are: Dr. Thomas Bunning, anesthesia fellow; Dr. John Reynolds, transplant pulmonologist; Julie Kellermeier, lung transplant social worker; Dr. Kunal Patel, lung transplant surgeon; Diane Ihnat, patient’s wife; Dennis Ihnat; Dr. Carlos Leon, transplant fellow; Dr. Romel Holmes, anesthesia resident; Dr. Brandon Menachem, transplant pulmonologist; Dr. Brandi Bottiger, anesthesiologist; Abigail Hinson, 6E RN.

Duke University Hospital has performed more than 2,500 lung transplants to date, the most of any lung transplant program in the U.S., and performed 94 lung transplants in 2024 alone.

Amazing work, team!

Duke Health Performs the World’s First Living Mitral Valve Replacement

A team at Duke Health was able to perform the world’s first living mitral valve replacement after an adolescent girl received a full heart transplant and donated the healthy valves from her original heart.

The valves were then used to save the lives of two other girls; one of whom received the new procedure. All three girls who were part of the case are from different parts of North Carolina.

The current standard of care for pediatric heart valve replacement uses preserved non-living tissue or mechanical valves, which do not grow along with the child. As a result, recipients require multiple future valve replacement surgeries and blood thinners for mechanical valves, which both carry risks.

Doug Overbey, MD “There’s not a good valve option for kids,” said Douglas Overbey, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine and one of the team members behind the pioneering procedure.

“They all require multiple surgeries, and we know they’re going to fail down the road,” Overbey said. “That’s something that’s really hard to talk to parents about, knowing that you’re going to have to do the same surgery with a new valve, maybe six months later because they’re going to outgrow it.”

The first living mitral valve replacement was performed on 14-year-old Margaret Van Bruggen, from Charlotte. She received the valve from 11-year-old Journi Kelly, from Wilson, after Journi received a full-heart transplant. Journi also donated another valve to now 9-year-old, Kensley Frizzell from Pembroke.

The living mitral valve replacement is a type of partial heart transplant, which Duke pioneered in 2022. Partial heart transplant was studied in Duke research labs before the procedure was done, and research shows the living valves do continue to grow. Duke has now performed 20 partial heart transplants under the guidance of the FDA.

The idea behind partial heart transplant is to make use of the healthy valves from donated hearts. The procedure expands the number of lives that benefit from a limited number of donated hearts and has enabled domino heart transplant procedures, in which valves are used from a failing heart after it’s removed for transplant.

“To think that the lives of three girls could be saved after one full-heart donation is amazing,” said Joseph Turek, MD, PhD, Duke’s chief of pediatric cardiac surgery, who performed the procedure alongside a vast team, after research in the lab.

Doctors at Duke said the living mitral valve replacement was challenging due to the valve’s position and structure, and it carries risks commonly associated with heart surgery. The mitral valve is located inside and toward the back of the heart, making it difficult to access. Its parachute-like structure with various chords and muscle grouping makes it more difficult to suture in.

The procedure became a possibility in a unique confluence of circumstances, starting with Journi, who went into sudden heart failure and needed a transplant.

The youngster complained of a stomachache, but when her parents took her to the emergency room, they learned her heart was failing. Two days later she was transported by aircraft to Duke for transplant, where she waited on the list for a new heart.

“Before Journi’s surgery, we were told the doctors were hoping to try a new procedure and asked if we were willing to donate Journi’s old heart,” said Rachel Kelly, Journi’s stepmom. “They explained to us that they could use the healthy parts of it to help other kids. Our next question was, ‘Where do we sign?’”

As a donated heart became available for Journi, the valves from her original heart were serendipitously a match for both Margaret and Kensley. Margaret, a cross-country runner and high school freshman, needed the valve replacement suddenly and urgently after she contracted a bacterial infection (endocarditis) that created large holes in her mitral valve.

“She was in the hospital, and we could’ve lost her,” said Margaret’s mother, Elizabeth Van Bruggen. “But she was so brave, so I knew I had to be brave too. She’s got a lot left to give the world.”

Kensley’s family was excited to hear it may be the last surgery she could need. The 9-year-old is familiar with long hospital stays, having already experienced her first two operations before her first two months of life after being diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Turner’s syndrome.

“We were expecting she would need surgery, but we never knew this would be an option,” said Kenan Frizzell, Kensley’s father. “The whole situation is extraordinary, whether you look at it from the standpoint of a scientific breakthrough or the average person’s point of view. I can’t imagine all the coordination that’s needed for something like this to take place, but as one of the families that benefited, we can’t be anything other than grateful.”

Research leading to the surgical innovation was supported by the Brett Boyer Foundation and the Graeme McDaniel Foundation.

This story has been featured in hundreds of news outlets, including the Today show. Several links appear to additional stories appear below in our news coverage section.

Nicely done, team!

Geoffrion Joins CTS Faculty

Please join us in welcoming Tracy Geoffrion, MD, MPH, associate professor of surgery, as she starts her practice here at Duke. Tracy has joined the congenital heart surgery group within the division of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery and will have a major focus on adult congenital cases.

Tracy joins us from the Medical College of Wisconsin where she worked in these areas. She completed fellowship training in congenital heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and residency in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern. Tracy completed medical school at University of Texas San Antonio and undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University.

Welcome to the Duke Heart team, Tracy!

Holley to Present MGR This Week

Christopher Holley, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine in cardiology will present Medicine Grand Rounds on Friday morning, March 7, at 8 a.m., in Duke North 2002 and via Zoom. His topic will be the Role of Novel RNA Modifications in Cardiometabolic Disease.

Good News for Gaca; Harbison Family

We learned this week that CT surgeon Jeff Gaca, MD has been named Surgeon of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal as part of their efforts to recognize healthcare leaders from throughout the Triangle. The award will be presented on April 10. Congrats, Jeff!

We’re thrilled to also share that Donavon and Lindsey Harbison have welcomed a daughter – Zephaniah — to their family. Last summer, Donavon Harbison became the second person in the world to receive a BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart as a bridge to transplant. He lived with the device for 10 days before undergoing a heart transplant at Duke University Hospital.

“Because of all you and the team did — her daddy was there to catch her,” said Lindsey Harbison in an email to Duke surgeon Dr. Jacob Schroder.

Such a beautiful reminder that what we do in Duke Heart matters to so many. Great job, team!

Heart Team Members Care for Patients in Mexico

Duke Heart nurse practitioners Dayana Ramos and Shelley Thompson volunteered at a medical clinic in Reynosa, Mexico from February 19-23. They served with Isaiah 55 Ministries and a care team from San Antonio. The team saw more than 150 people in two days and provided much needed medical care, medications, and support to the people of Reynosa — including migrants at two shelters.

Shelley is planning to return as a volunteer for another clinic in October. If anyone is interested in joining her, please reach out to her directly.

We are so proud of you both for volunteering your time and talent. Way to go, Dayana and Shelley!

CGR Welcomed Shah, Krzyzewski This Week

On Monday evening we had a terrific presentation by Dr. Sanjiv Shah, cardiologist and researcher from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, our DCRI fellows visiting professor. His topic was Transforming HFpEF Management in the Age of Precision Medicine.

We also had a special catered grand rounds on Tuesday with retired Duke MBB Coach Mike Krzyzewski who presented on teamwork, leadership, and healthcare.

Thanks to all who joined us!

Cardiac Rehab Team Celebrates Rehab Week

Cardiac Rehabilitation Week was celebrated nationally from February 9-15. Our team did an excellent job of engaging patients in both education and fun activities all week!

Back row (L to R): Angel Dowden, Hope Miles, Lindsay Goolsby, Jessica Taube, Jordan Cottle, Cathy Ritchey, and Anne Kenyon. Front row (L to R): Lisa Skowronek (kneeling), Katie Altieri, Michelle Branson, Janet Aiken (kneeling), and Kim Duren. Photos courtesy of Erica Rao.

Great work!

Health System Updates:

New Partnership With Novant Expands Duke Health’s Reach and Impact

Duke Health is taking another bold step to advance our growth and deliver hope, health, and healing to more communities. In partnership with Novant Health, we are moving forward with plans to develop new ambulatory sites throughout the region. This exciting collaboration reflects our shared vision for a healthier North Carolina and our commitment to making it easier for patients to obtain the high-quality care we provide.

We have long recognized the need to scale our growth and broaden access to Duke Health’s world-class expertise. Our partnership with Novant Health will help us achieve growth at a faster pace than we could working on our own. That means more North Carolina communities will be able to access Duke Health’s expert clinicians and teams faster than ever before.

Please watch a special message from DUHS leaders Drs. Craig Albanese, Mary Klotman, and Matt Barber to learn more about why this partnership matters and what we’ll be able to achieve together.

For additional information, please visit https://duke.is/4/5aje. (NET ID required)

Watts College of Nursing to Relocate to Duke Health’s Interprofessional Education and Care Center

Watts College of Nursing (WCON), a pillar of nursing education in Durham for more than a century, will relocate to the Duke University campus in July 2025.

This move establishes the next chapter in WCON’s long and distinguished history, ensuring that students and faculty have access to world-class resources while maintaining the college’s independent identity.

For 18 years, WCON has been headquartered at its Croasdaile location, providing nursing education and training for the next generation of health care professionals. As part of its continued growth, WCON will move to the Interprofessional Education and Care Center within the broader Duke Health community to co-locate with the Duke University School of Nursing and the Duke Health Clinical Education & Professional Development team.

This strategic relocation strengthens the connection between academic and clinical nursing education, nurturing a stronger nursing workforce pipeline within Duke Health and beyond.

The full story can be found here.

Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions

Respiratory illnesses throughout our community remain high. We remain in Tier 2 Visitor Restrictions.

Navigating the Impact of Recent Executive Orders

The following resource page for the latest news and information related to the recent executive orders from the White House is being updated regularly. It includes direct links to policies and guidance documents as they are published. If you have specific questions, please escalate those to your supervisor.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

If you missed any of our CGR’s from the past year, all Duke Cardiology Grand Rounds recordings are housed on Warpwire. To access recordings please visit:

NET ID and password are required. Enjoy!

CD Fellows Core Curriculum Conference

March 5: Fellows Forum with Paula Rambarat. Noon, in-person.

March 7: EKG with Michele Kelsey. Noon, virtual.

March 12: DHP with Michael Cosiano. Noon, in-person.

March 14: Management of PE with Imran Aslam. Noon, virtual.

Upcoming Duke Heart CMEs

The following CME activities, sponsored by Duke Heart, have been scheduled. Registration coming soon.

April 26, 2025: Duke Structural Heart Symposium (live event at Trent Semans Center in Durham)
June 7, 2025: Duke Heart Failure Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center in Durham)
October 31, 2025: 17th Annual NC Research Triangle Pulmonary Hypertension Symposium (live event at Durham Convention Center)

The following event is planned for Fall 2025; the date has not yet been set:

October: Duke Cardiac Imaging Symposium (live event, location TBD)

Amyloidosis Support Group, March 22

Duke Heart will host an Amyloidosis Support Group meeting for all patients and family members followed at Duke as well as other institutions throughout the region.

When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Great Hall of the Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans Center for Health Education at Duke

The meeting is being organized in collaboration with the Amyloidosis Support Group Association (ASGA), a well-recognized national organization in the amyloidosis space.

Cardiologist Dr. Michel Khouri and hematologist Dr. Christiana Costa Chase, along with our genetic counselors, will be speaking at the event along with other special guests invited by ASGA.

Breakfast, lunch, and parking passes will be provided to attendees. Registration is required. There is no charge to attend. More information is available on the ASGA’s website.

Pulmonary Hypertension Community Workshop, March 22

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Community Workshop, brings together individuals, caregivers, friends and family impacted by pulmonary hypertension for a free, one-day, in-person event. The workshop educates and empowers attendees through up-to-date information on living with PH, including disease management, treatments, diagnostics and clinical trials. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local PH community for support and resources. The workshop includes complimentary parking, breakfast, and lunch.

When: March 22
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Where: Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel in Charlotte, NC.

Cardiologist Dr. Sudarshan Rajagopal is a co-chair for this free educational workshop geared to patients and their caregivers. Registration required. The event is sponsored by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

Gatsby Themed Fundraiser to Support Duke Heart for Honduras

There will be a Great Gatsby Casino Night on Saturday, March 29, 2025 as a fundraiser to benefit the Duke Heart for Honduras program. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing equipment and medical supplies to operate on children in need.

There will be a silent auction, casino games, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the City Lights Jazz Band will be performing live. Donations can be made and tickets can be purchased here: https://one.bidpal.net/2025gatsbycasino/welcome

Thank you for supporting Duke Heart for Honduras!

Preparing for Transition from GME to DHIP Attending

Duke trainees who have accepted or are considering a Duke faculty position may find this event helpful.

This onboarding preparation session is for current Duke trainees who have accepted or are considering a Duke Faculty position. Members of Duke Health’s onboarding team will walk you through the process to prepare you for an efficient and successful transition. It’s an opportunity to meet leadership and network with colleagues who will also be staying at Duke.

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Medical Center Amphitheater @ Duke Clinics (Basement level)

Please RSVP by March 31, 2025. Contact: Kylee.Mace@duke.edu.

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart & Vascular at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our team. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon on Wednesdays will be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

February 24 — Robert Califf

CNN

Ex-FDA commissioner on implications of agency’s ‘unreasonable’ jobs cuts

February 25 — Jennifer Li

Amazing Health Advances

Chest Pain in Children and Adolescents

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

Today show/NBC

EXCLUSIVE: 1 heart saves 3 girls in a unique surgery that could help other children

February 27 — Doug Overbey and Joe Turek

WRAL